|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In the realm of journalism and academia, few figures stand as tall as Phyl Garland. Born Phyllis T. Garland in 1935, she blazed a trail for African American women in journalism, music criticism, and higher education. Her crowning achievement came in 1981 when she became the first African American and first woman to receive tenure at Columbia University’s prestigious School of Journalism.
Early Life and Education
Phyl Garland’s journey began in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where she was born into a family that valued journalism and photography. Her father, Percy Garland, was among the first Black men to pursue industrial photography, while her mother, Hazel Garland, made history as the first African-American woman to serve as editor-in-chief of a nationally circulated newspaper chain.
Garland’s passion for journalism blossomed early. After graduating from McKeesport High School in 1953, she pursued her dreams at Northwestern University’s renowned Medill School of Journalism. In 1957, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalism, laying the foundation for an extraordinary career.
Breaking Ground in Journalism
Garland’s professional journey began at the Pittsburgh Courier, where she worked from 1957 to 1965. As both a reporter and editor, she covered pivotal events of the Civil Rights Movement, including the historic March on Washington. Her insightful reporting on racial issues in housing, education, and the arts earned her a Golden Quill Award in 1962.
In 1965, Garland joined Ebony Magazine as a contributing editor and music critic. By 1969, she had risen to the position of New York editor, a role she held until 1972. During this time, she also served as the Director of Editorial Operations at Johnson Publishing Company.
Music Criticism and Authorship
Garland’s expertise in Black music shone throughout her career. She contributed to numerous pop culture and music publications, including Stereo Review, where she wrote about Black pop music from 1978 to 1994.
In 1969, Garland published her seminal work, “The Sound of Soul: The Story of Black Music.” This book explored the rich history and cultural significance of Black music in America, cementing her status as a leading voice in music criticism.
Academic Trailblazer
Garland’s academic career began in 1971 when she became an assistant professor of Black Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz. However, it was her move to Columbia University in 1973 that would make history.
In 1981, Garland achieved a monumental milestone: she became the first African American and the first woman to receive tenure at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. This achievement broke significant barriers in higher education and journalism.
At Columbia, Garland taught courses on Cultural Affairs Reporting and Writing and advised student Masters projects. She was known for her rigorous teaching style, emphasizing thorough research and professional reporting in arts journalism. Garland also founded and administered the National Arts Journalism Program, bringing professional journalists to New York to study and write about the performing arts.
Legacy and Impact
Phyl Garland’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. She served on numerous boards, including the Jazzmobile (New York), the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, and the Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson Scholarship Funds. Her expertise and passion for Black music and culture inspired countless students and colleagues.
After her passing in 2006, Columbia University renamed their scholarship to the Black Alumni Network/Phyllis Garland Scholarship Fund in 2007, honoring her lasting impact on journalism education.
Connecting Garland to Ida B. Wells
While celebrating Garland’s achievements, it’s crucial to acknowledge the groundwork laid by earlier pioneers like Ida B. Wells. Born into slavery in 1862, Wells became a fearless investigative journalist, exposing the horrors of lynching in the post-Civil War South.
Wells pioneered many investigative techniques still used today, including on-the-ground research, eyewitness interviews, and meticulous record examination. Her courageous reporting, often at great personal risk, set a powerful precedent for using journalism as a tool for social change.
Both Garland and Wells exemplify the transformative power of journalism. Their work challenged societal norms, exposed injustices, and paved the way for future generations of journalists, particularly women and people of color.
Conclusion
Phyl Garland’s life and career serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. From her early days as a reporter covering the Civil Rights Movement to her groundbreaking tenure at Columbia University, Garland consistently pushed boundaries and opened doors for future generations of Black journalists and scholars.
Her legacy, along with that of pioneers like Ida B. Wells, continues to inspire and influence the fields of journalism, music criticism, and academia today. As we celebrate their achievements, we’re reminded of the ongoing importance of diverse voices in shaping our understanding of culture, society, and history.
